Alton Bay Winter Carnival 2006

[upthesaukee]

Here's some information hot off the press on the 2006 Alton Bay Winter Carnival, back to the Sunday of President's Day Weekend.

[ghfromaltonbay]

We will be there! I'm glad the event is scheduled for Presidents' Day weekend since it coincides with our trip up from NJ. GTXRider may be watching the Daytona 500 instead, but the rest of us will be on the ice. Already bought the Yaktraks.

Is Island Sib getting the Bed Race Team organized?

[IslandSib]

Now that the holidays will soon be packed away we can concentrate on the important things!!! Winter Fun!!
For two years I have watched the Bed Race at Alton Bay Winter Carnival and wanted to enter.
With the help of enthusiastic forum members we could put together a team and who knows either win or just have a great time trying to.
So let's see who is up to this challenge.

[Island Girl]

count me in... I might have some old skiis to donate to cause.

[DRH]

Mrs. DRH and I will join you! Should be fun. Now we need to dig up a bed somewhere!

[Rattlesnake Gal]

I would like to donate my old Rossignols to the cause.
It’s been twenty years since they’ve been used. (They’ll be going out in style! )

[SPANKY]

Sounds like this could be a good meeting spot for a winter forum fest!!!!

[IslandSib]

Great Idea!
Would you like to be a pusher or do you have a small family member who could be a rider...
Or you could cheer us on.

[mcdude]

Island Sib:
I have attended the fest for the last few years and the bed race has always looked like fun! I have no idea how to attach skiis to a bed but I could certainly help push! If DRH and Island Girl are pushing too, who is going to take photos? ......and we need a theme! (which hopefully will have nothing to do with 'chunky-dunking'). We should study the entries of the other teams! The Alton Bay Christian Conference Center is the team to beat. They use only a little baby crib for their bed! Let's see if I can find a photo....

Here's one that DRH took


and here's the Sunset Lake Snoozers....they have a weird bed....looks like a chaise lounge to me!


Go TEAM! Go!

[Mee-n-Mac]

Well I can volunteer to mush .... errr ... push. We do need a theme though. Forum friends frantically force futon to furious fleetness. I don't know how this might be expressed in a bed design though.

[IslandSib]

Thanks for volunteering as a musher ...was worried.
Most of the respondents have witnessed the successful win of the "crib"
and we have lookouts seeking an old one somone would be willing to part with.
Keep the ideas coming for a theme!

[Sunset Bob]

I just found an old crib up in my attic. It is all there spring and mattress may need minor hardware.Would be willing to donate to the cause.Don't want to push or ride but would like to watch.Maybe you can get Misty Blue to ride.I wiil not be able to get the crib to N.H. until the weekend of Jan.14-15.(I'm all tied up doing a car show in Boston World of Wheels)

[DRH]

That's great, Bob! Now we have a "vehicle" for the race.

Thanks!

[gtxrider]

Originally Posted by DRH

That's great, Bob! Now we have a "vehicle" for the race.

Thanks!

How about putting a dust ruffle around your snowmobile and making it look like a bed? Don't ask how I know about dust ruffles!


Since I am planning to be there that weekend I may have to help push the snowmobile no make that a bed.

[Sunset Bob]

DRH At this time it looks like I can drop off the crib on Jan. 14. That should give time needed to assemble the winning crib.Who is in charge of assembly?Where do I need to drop off crib?

[DRH]

Originally Posted by Sunset Bob

DRH At this time it looks like I can drop off the crib on Jan. 14. That should give time needed to assemble the winning crib.Who is in charge of assembly?Where do I need to drop off crib?

Bob - I will have the honor of assembling the crib and installing the skis, so you can drop it off at my house in West Alton. If you'd like to send me an email I'll give you the directions.

Thanks again!

[Island Girl]

I will help with decorating the crib .... and take pictures. We need a very very light person to ride in the crib.

IG

[gtxrider]

Perhaps Mrs. DRH can make a quilt to cover the rider?

Anyone want to take a chance on a blanket?

[mcdude]

Have we thought about how the "bed/sled" will get from West Alton to Alton Bay? Will we need a pick-up truck or can it be towed by snowmobiles?

[BroadHopper]

And two pairs of skis. Do you think we can get all the forum members into this one??????? Second thought how are we to push this monster. Once we get it going, how are we going to stop.

What a ride!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

[gtxrider]

If the Babes are planning to do the RADAR RUN they can tow the bed/sled down.

I have a small pickup trunk if needed. I think a crib will fit in the back or it can be lashed to the roof of the cap.

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by mcdude

Have we thought about how the "bed/sled" will get from West Alton to Alton Bay?

Why not put it on an available eastbound train on the historic Lakeshore Railroad? The West Alton station should be just about perfect!

[DRH]

Originally Posted by gtxrider

If the Babes are planning to do the RADAR RUN they can tow the bed/sled down.

I have a small pickup trunk if needed. I think a crib will fit in the back or it can be lashed to the roof of the cap.

I thought about towing it by sled, but that's a pretty long way to tow it. Wouldn't want it to shake apart before we even get it to the starting line! But if the frozen lake is fairly smooth then, towing is an option. Transporting it in the back of a pickup truck would probably be the easiest way to get it there.

[RLW]

Since everyone that is doing the planning are attendees to the ForumFest how about "The ForumFest Mushers"?

[IslandSib]

Behind the scenes,DRH has given a big hand to coordinating emails from all the forum members who are lending a hand, crib, pickup truck.
Now, we need costume and theme ideas...remember a musher must be able to move ...and it is pretty nippy out there at that time of year.
Somehow it should tie to forum...

[Island Girl]

Maybe the mushers could wear very oversized wini.com tshirts over their winter jackets. There might be other gear in the store we could use.

IG

[Sunset Bob]

DRH I tried to persoal message to you yesterday guess I did something wrong.I know what street you live on but don't know house number. I should be able to find it if Jan. 14 is OK with you

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Does anyone have a pick up truck for transport? Be part of the team! (You would not have to mush. )

Can our pushers actually be hooked up to the bed like a pack of sled dogs??? That would be a riot!

[gtxrider]

Yes, I think I said so yesterday. It is a smaller truck but should hold a crib. See it knows how to get down on the lake.

Attachment 606

I plan on being in/on Alton Bay that weekend. I think the pushers should have harnesses and bells on!

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Thanks gtxrider. How did I miss that?
Since hitting 40, the blonde moments are happening more often.
Looking forward to meeting you.

[DRH]

Originally Posted by Sunset Bob

DRH I tried to persoal message to you yesterday guess I did something wrong.I know what street you live on but don't know house number. I should be able to find it if Jan. 14 is OK with you

Bob - I got your PM and sent you a PM reply. If you didn't get it, please send me a regular email and I'll reply to your email address.

[gtxrider]

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Gal

Thanks gtxrider. How did I miss that?
Since hitting 40, the blonde moments are happening more often.
Looking forward to meeting you.

RG, I get senior moments to also known as brain fade and I am not blonde. Mine is from gray hair

[Sunset Bob]

I have a pick-up without a cap to worry about. The crib with skis will fit easy. Crib may be to high to fit under cap hate to see you scratch that beautiful truck.

[gtxrider]

Bob,

Thanks, now all I have to do is road work to get in shape to push a crib on the ice. I must be nuts!

Since the bed/sled is a crib how about a team name of the Cradle Robbers.

[ghfromaltonbay]

gtxrider and I will be there with our 17 year old nephew that weekend. He is fast on his feet and would make an excellent musher. We were with him today and he seemed to be agreeable. I saw him run the length of Michie stadium at West Point, return the 100 yards and then proceed to run up the visitors' stands, then turned around and run up the home team side all the way to the press box. The groundskeepers there were laughing hysterically at this kid's speed. Looked like a scene from Forrest Gump! I think he'd be an excellent member of the team. Wish I had that much energy.

[mcdude]

Originally Posted by ghfromaltonbay

gtxrider and I will be there with our 17 year old nephew that weekend. He is fast on his feet and would make an excellent musher. I think he'd be an excellent member of the team.

Sounds suspiciously like a Forum Mercenary to me!!

[ghfromaltonbay]

McDude,

Not to worry, he doesn't charge a fee. My nephew has been coming up to the lake since he was 6 weeks old and will never turn down an invitation to ride up with us. He's been there the past 5 or 6 winters with us. He's met the DRH's, Island Girl and Island Sib and even had lunch twice at Pepper's. Although he doesn't post, he's up on the Forum.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Originally Posted by ghfromaltonbay

gtxrider and I will be there with our 17 year old nephew that weekend. He is fast on his feet and would make an excellent musher.

I don't think anyone would be able to keep up with the young whippersnapper!
(Sounds like you’re a lucky aunt and uncle! )

Originally Posted by ghfromaltonbay

Wish I had that much energy.

Don’t we all?

So who are the mushers?
DRH?
McDude?
gtxrider?
Mee-n-Mac?

Who is the rider?
Mrs. DRH?
IG?
Island Sib?
ghfromaltonbay?

[DRH]

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Gal

So who are the mushers?
DRH?
McDude?
gtxrider?
Mee-n-Mac?

Who is the rider?
Mrs. DRH?
IG?
Island Sib?
ghfromaltonbay?

IslandSib is a musher, too. (Can't forget her ... the bed race thing was her idea!)

I'm thinking of inviting Pepper to be the rider in the crib. She'd be whooping and hollering all through the race!

[mcdude]

My heart will NOT be broken if I don't get to mush. I vote for younger faster mushers in my stead if possible! McD

[Pepper]

I've just returned from 5 days in Philadelphia, and am delighted to learn that IslandSib has not forgotten our conversations over the summer with regard to the bed race! I've replied to the seven hundred emails I received with regard to this event, and yes indeed I would be simply delighted to be the rider. I promise to cheer on the mushers with sufficient vocal motivation !

DRH you mentioned in your email about my special hat, and if it pleases you, I will certainly don the hat!

I have always wanted to participate in thi bed race, because it looks absolutely hilarious, and everybody knows I just love to have fun! I can't wait to have this much fun with you guys - and outside of my place, to boot! WHOOOOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm burning up some braincells thinking on the wardrobe dilemna, and will see what other possibilities I can come up with.

This is gonna be seriously fun. And FUNNY!

[upthesaukee]

Having one "Red Hot Pepper" as the rider, cheering on the Fabulous Forum Forward-mushing Foursome may be looked upon as an unfair advantage. Like putting an afterburner on a Cessna C150!!!!!!!!!

[RLW]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

Having one "Red Hot Pepper" as the rider, cheering on the Fabulous Forum Forward-mushing Foursome may be looked upon as an unfair advantage. Like putting an afterburner on a Cessna C150!!!!!!!!!

Sounds like a great combination, as I'm sure it would be a big distraction to the other teams giving the Mushers a big advantage.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Rattlesnake Guy thought there should be a pole mounted on the front to hold a video camera pointed back at the team.
DRH, are you feeling overwhelmed yet?

Island Sib is going to be a musher? Fantastic!
This is going to be fun, especially with our “Red Hot Pepper”!

If there are any other forum members that would like to join the fun, there could be two entries for Winnipesaukee.com!
That would really get our Winter ForumFest off the ground. There's still penty of time to plan. Come join the fun!!!

[SPANKY]

i'll donate one of those disposable video cams to the cause if ya'll want to mount it to the front for some good footage of "pepper and the mushers"

[Island Girl]

Is there really such a thing... we would love it.

[Pepper]

A disposable cam would be an excellent idea! After all, photographing me has been known to break a few cameras over the years!

[SPANKY]

yup, it takes 20 minutes of video, then you return it for developing and they put it on a dvd for you. i don't have the know-how, but it would be cool if it were posted or a link to it after. drh, if you could pm me, i will make arrangements to get it to you.

[DRH]

Originally Posted by SPANKY

drh, if you could pm me, i will make arrangements to get it to you.

Spanky, I've been thinking how much fun such a video might be, but I'm not sure how we could mount the camera so it would get everyone in the shot. If you look at the picture that McDude posted a few days ago of the winning crib in the 2005 race, that's pretty much what our entry will look like. If the camera were mounted on the front of the crib somehow, unless it had a "fisheye" lens I don't think it would see the two "mushers" in front. But I'm open to ideas, so if anyone can think of a way a camera could be set up on the crib so it would get all 5 idiots .. er .. contestants in the video, please let us know!

[Sunset Bob]

Maybe we could put an extension on the front of the crib and mount the camera on that.
I have been thinking of cheep easy ways to beef up the crib.We may be able to use automotive stainless steel hose clamps to hold the spring to the frame and maybe even the frame pieces together.Don we can talk about this when I drop of the crib.

[Mee-n-Mac]

Originally Posted by Island Girl

Maybe the mushers could wear very oversized wini.com tshirts over their winter jackets. There might be other gear in the store we could use.

IG

So long as that other "gear" isn't the infamous thong If I were to wear one I'm sure it would so incapacitate the other teams though vomitting or giggling and outright snorting that it would be banned on the spot as an unfair advantage. However we might want to think about flying a winni.com pennant from the crib.

EDIT: It just occurred to me that we could dress the mushers up in something like hospital/surgeon/operating room clothing. Perhaps a cheapo white overall from Home Depot would be close enough ? They could be staff rushing the newborn in the crib to the ... Just a thought

As for cameras and video from the "crib of catastrophe" ... HA ! ... I say we lend some to our competitors ! That way we'll have multiple views with all of the team in them, even if it's just shots of as... hmmm ... "butts" and elbows, as we pull from the pack. Which reminds me, like mcdude, if we have younger, more fleet of foot, mushers that want in, I'll happily step aside.

As to names ; we have so far ForumFest Mushers and Cradle Robbers. Any other ideas ? Might I suggest Crib Crashers as a takeoff on the above.

Additionally we'll be in the neighborhood on Sat as well as Sun so if there's any last minute items that need a helping hand let me know.

[DRH]

Originally Posted by Sunset Bob

Maybe we could put an extension on the front of the crib and mount the camera on that.
I have been thinking of cheep easy ways to beef up the crib.We may be able to use automotive stainless steel hose clamps to hold the spring to the frame and maybe even the frame pieces together.Don we can talk about this when I drop of the crib.

OK Bob - sounds good. I've got some ideas for strengthening the crib too. We sure wouldn't want our precious cargo (Pepper!) to end up crossing the finish line on her ... behind!

[Pepper]

Originally Posted by DRH

OK Bob - sounds good. I've got some ideas for strengthening the crib too. We sure wouldn't want our precious cargo (Pepper!) to end up crossing the finish line on her ... behind!

Heavens No! Especially if I have to wear the garb MeenMac suggested! Mooning the ice would be COLD!

And speaking of "behind" ... Perhaps that's where we ought to mount the camera? Seriously! Up and behind, so as not to impede anyone's vision, and yet be able to capture the image of all 5 idiots! Plus, we could use it as a training video for next year.

[mcdude]

As people make suggestions for elaborate costumes, mounted cameras, reinforced cribs etc. may I remind everyone that the race is very short and lasts all of about one minute, if that..... McD
PS - I like the name "Cradle Robbers" since we will be stealing the first place title from the other team using a crib!!

[IslandSib]

Yes, the race is short..but the memories and stories are going to be very long!!!

[Island Girl]

I was thinking of painting the crib orange... to match the orange in the winnie.com logo.

Then putting a large logo on the front of the crib and smaller ones on each side. (RG and I have discussed this part)

Other decorations could be added. I do like the white tyvek suit idea, though they may be expensive.

IG

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Originally Posted by mcdude

may I remind everyone that the race is very short and lasts all of about one minute, if that.....

Don’t forget the parade of beds!

Video from behind could work! The pennant could be flown from that too.
Quilt Lady, where are you? Have you ever work with nylon (kite material)?
It could make a great raffle item for ForumFest III!

DRH’s name idea was "Winni Forum Flyer". All the name ideas are great!

[DRH]

Originally Posted by Island Girl

I was thinking of painting the crib orange... to match the orange in the winnie.com logo.

Then putting a large logo on the front of the crib and smaller ones on each side. (RG and I have discussed this part)

Other decorations could be added. I do like the white tyvek suit idea, though they may be expensive.

IG

IG - how about painting the crib blue, to match the lake??

[IslandSib]

Any Question?
Blue over orange gets my vote.
The tyvek suits are disposable so I am hoping they are relatively inexpensive.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

The skis are set to go! I was very surprised to find them caked with rust, thank goodness I’m handy with a Dremel. (Don’t try this with your good skis!) After the rust removal I buffed out the big scratches and applied some wax called Waxagra. (Found it at Play it Again Sports.) The directions say: For long lasting, slick lubrication, apply a thin layer of wax to a warm base. Allow to dry 2-3 minutes and buff in with something soft and sexy!
(Now I need new lingerie!)
Today, when I should have been taking care of other business, I took an old plastic sled, packed down the hill and tried it out. Then I took it in, cleaned up the scratches and applied two coats of wax. WOO HOO what a ride and what a difference! The bed race skis should be wonderful!!! (I hope!)

I got side-tracked yet again.

Maybe we could have an online contest for snowmen or snow sculptures that are lake related?
(This would not be my entry, I can do better. )

[ghfromaltonbay]

Did you see what happened to Clark Griswold when he used the wax on the snow saucer in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation? Let's be careful out there, RG, we need you at the Festival in Feb.

[mcdude]

RG: Thanks! I've been looking for a new avatar! Yet another day when you did not get your chores done? (At least you'll have less lingerie to wash!!) You are too funny. (And is that a blonde wig?) The snow"MAN" will be prone to "blonde" moments!!
McD
(PS - I hear there is a lingerie item available at the winni.com store if you need to restock)

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Originally Posted by mcdude

RG: Thanks! I've been looking for a new avatar!

Thanks back at you! I've got tears running down my face!

That was a sobering thought ghfromaltonbay. I'll try be careful.

[Quilt Lady]

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Gal

Quilt Lady, where are you? Have you ever work with nylon (kite material)? It could make a great raffle item for ForumFest III!

Here I am! I've finally stopped lurking. Another first for me!

I've never worked with nylon but it shouldn't be too difficult to do. What do you have in mind?

[mcdude]

Hi Quilt Lady!....and welcome to the forum! Will you start causing "trouble" here now too?

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Welcome "officially" to the forum Quilt Lady! We're glad you're here. What a beautiful quilt!!! Can you upload a full photo of it to PhotoPost, so everyone can see the fantastic detail? (This is the one I was bragging about at ForumFest II. )

Let me kick around some ideas for the pennant. I know how to cut the pieces. (I saw a kite building show once that used a heat tool and I have tested this technique. No, I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express. ) I'm just not sure if I have the talent to sew them to the background.

I’ll be in touch!
RG

[Mee-n-Mac]

Originally Posted by Mee-n-Mac

It just occurred to me that we could dress the mushers up in something like hospital/surgeon/operating room clothing. Perhaps a cheapo white overall from Home Depot would be close enough ? They could be staff rushing the newborn in the crib to the ... Just a thought

I checked HD today and found some painting type overalls (X-LRG, fits people 5'7" to 6'2") for $8. For $10 you can get the "professional" suit which is made of the same lightweight white cloth but has a hood. Sorta looks like clean room garb. Perhaps we could make up some iron on logos to stick on them ... I was also thinking that the mushers could do hospital "gowns" (those that tie shut) but I didn't want to restart the whole nude beaches thread I wish I had saved some of the goofy hats/headgear I picked up last time we were in Nawlins. They would have made quite a visual impact as well.

[Pepper]

Welcome Quilt Lady!!!!!!!

So glad you finally decided to come out of hiding, and quit lurking! Very nice to have you aboard under your very own moniker!

RG - I like where you're going with this! Nice!

[IslandSib]

It only took me a few days to figure this one out.

So glad you have signed on!!

[upthesaukee]

Welcome Quilt Lady.

I was down at the bay today (1-7) and marvelled at the conditions on the bay right now. great for walking, skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, etc. Here's a pic:



Hope the forecasted weather this midweek and next weekend doesn't mess it up.

[Mee-n-Mac]

Been doing a little research on footwear. Looking at mcdude's photo of the team to beat it appears that someone is wearing rubbers (no, not that kind Pepper, get your mind out of the gutter, geesh ) over his shoes. I see that cleats are verboten (implies Yaktraks too ?) so I wonder what he might have been doing. Could it have been one of these 2 ...

http://www.sportsimportsltd.com/lisptichgr.html (sticky spray)
http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/456096 ("GRIPS", rubbers w/grit soles)

Hmmm, inquiring minds want to know

[Pepper]

Hey! It wasn't just me! RattlesnakeGal was thinking the exact same thing, and you didn't yell at her!

Regardless of where you cast aspersions, I like the direction your thoughts are taking with regard to traction. After all, even though I'll be safe inside the crib (well, hopefully I'll be safe) I remain concerned that all the mushers will remain upright throughout the race, allowing us to afterwards!

[Mee-n-Mac]

Yup, always trying to find the legal (I yeild to UTS's rulings) but unfair advantage. So it goes in racing ! Truely though I do want to be able to not slip and fall in front of my fellow mushers. To that end I think any added traction would be a "safety" device. Yeah .... that's the ticket ... safety, not competitive advantage, but safety.

[Quilt Lady]

Originally Posted by IslandSib

Yes, the race is short..but the memories and stories are going to be very long!!!

Thanks to Sunset Bob and Donna, the "Crib" has arrived at the secret West Alton location. It will now receive "enhancements" including a jet engine, flame throwers, machine guns and surface to surface missiles . . . no, no, no . . . too many "Bond" movies!!! How about reenforcements, a set of fast skis, a face lift and many embellishments which will dazzle and amaze the competition. Our secret weapon (Pepper) will so intimidate the other entrants that they will be shaking in their boots! BE AFRAID . . . BE VERY AFRAID!

ON TO VICTORY!!!!!

[IslandSib]

I love it...
Quilt Lady has taken control of the computer...
I had a very hearty laugh and now I cant wipe the grin off my face.
As they say " You Go Girl"

Now team we must go into training...
Not sure what it is we should do...but I will contemplate.

Great big Thank You to Sunset Bob for donating to the cause and DRH
for being a really good sport!!!

[ghfromaltonbay]

I've been doing the snowdance down here in NJ all week and as of about an hour ago, we now have about an inch of snow on the ground and the temp. went from 55 earlier today to 29. Hope it heads toward NH. If the lake doesn't freeze, we may have to put the crib on pontoons and attach the old Evinrude 10 hp.

[Pepper]

Quilt Lady - I just laughed so hard I scared the poor dog right off the chair!

As for snow dancing, how about we try this:

[IslandSib]

A Thank You for Rattlesnake Gal for donating to the cause and the extra touch she put into it...waxing the skis.

Now, everyone come in for a minute and take a break from the dance.
Or is everyone still out trying to get in their cars....what a change in the weather Saturday night. Coudl be Mother Nature is watching

All eyes on Ice In!!!

[GWC...]

Originally Posted by Mee-n-Mac

... it appears that someone is wearing rubbers...

Interesting movie at the mentioned website - Grippers for Strippers:

http://www.jordandavid.com/VIDEOFILES/video3.htm

[IslandSib]

GWC --- I was a little leery of watching a video of grippers for strippers...
but I did....
put in a request for a quote ...as they have no pricing online...
Thanks for the tip!

[Mee-n-Mac]

Originally Posted by GWC...

Interesting movie at the mentioned website - Grippers for Strippers:

http://www.jordandavid.com/VIDEOFILES/video3.htm

I keep forgetting to watch the video, from home. But right now I have to think what we're going to need for the mushers is something along these lines ...

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/02/bu...er=rssuserland

Note to DRH : Hope you haven't nailed the skis on the crib yet. Time to ask RG is she has some pontoons lying about instead.

[upthesaukee]

Good Thought Mac...I was thinking that the uniform of the day may well be changing from ski parkas and mukluks to some of them thar by-keenknees and swim fins!!!! Still need to think snow and cold!

[Pepper]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

Good Thought Mac...I was thinking that the uniform of the day may well be changing from ski parkas and mukluks to some of them thar by-keenknees and swim fins!!!! Still need to think snow and cold!

Hey! Don't forget a life vest and "swimmies" for the baby inside the crib!

[IslandSib]

Do any of the history buffs or maybe just those with really good memories remember a winter like this? Has the carnival ever been cancelled....
That's for the glass half empty...

For the glass half full
The Winni Forum Flyers are getting all geared up to take on the challenge.
Bring on the cold...bring on the ice....

[DRH]

Originally Posted by Mee-n-Mac

Note to DRH : Hope you haven't nailed the skis on the crib yet. Time to ask RG is she has some pontoons lying about instead.

I'm thinking of using "quick-disconnect" brackets on the crib legs so we can decide at the last minute weather to use skis or pontoons for the race.

We mushers should probably be prepared for anything and bring swim fins and water wings in addition to our boots and winter coats. Quilt Lady and I will bring an old Goofy swim tube for the "baby" in the crib.

[gtxrider]

I think we need slushers not mushers! Is there going to be an early spring? It sure feels like March in New Jersey.

[GWC...]

Originally Posted by DRH

I'm thinking of using "quick-disconnect" brackets on the crib legs so we can decide at the last minute weather to use skis or pontoons for the race.

We mushers should probably be prepared for anything...

Perhaps a pair of these per musher will be handy-dandy for the occasion.

http://www.wavewalk.com/WALKING%20ON%20WATER.html

[DRH]

I didn't have my camera with me to snap a photo but we drove through Alton Bay a couple hours ago and the ice actually looks fine. There are many bob houses out there, and a couple camping trailers as well. The recent rain has frozen into a sheer glassy surface, which will make "mushing" a bit of a challenge unless we get some snow before the "Big Race"!

[gtxrider]

Do they allow hockey skates for the mushers?

[upthesaukee]

I talked to a friend who has a bob house on the bay, right in the middle of the pack of bob houses, and he said that Monday there was 9 inches of ice. I would still be using extreme caution on the ice, and probably not want to be the first one to go onto a certain area. there are bobhouses out around the shallow area by Sandy point, and I saw some bob houses over by peggy's cove.

[KBoater]

OK you winter folks, how about this. STOP dancing for snow. START the COLD swirl dance which will form perfect smooth ice. Give the mushers all speed skates. Put blades on the crib. Give Pepper a para foil. Hold on.

[Quilt Lady]

Originally Posted by IslandSib

Now team we must go into training...
Not sure what it is we should do...but I will contemplate.

OK, team- I have consulted with exercise guru "Jane Fond-of-you" on a training video for the mushers. Since staying vertical is most important, the exercises are done while holding on to a "crib substitute".

Everyone- assume the position: lean forward into your "crib substitute" and slowly move your feet back and forth like a duck paddling on a calm lake. Feel the rhythm? Notice how smooth the movement is. Keep paddling. Got your rhythm?

OK- now imagine you are that duck and a GFBL boat is bearing down on you at 60mph. That's right, pick up your speed. Faster! Faster! Go, go, go . . .feel the burn . . . move your duck tail before you're duck soup!!!!!

Later, once your heart rate comes back into the normal range, go to Exercise #2 - grasp glass : bend elbow : consume contents : straighten elbow : refill. Repeat as necessary.

Hope these exercises help the cause!

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by Quilt Lady

OK- now imagine you are that duck and a GFBL boat is bearing down on you at 60mph. That's right, pick up your speed. Faster! Faster! Go, go, go . . .feel the burn . . . move your duck tail before you're duck soup!!!!!

Later, once your heart rate comes back into the normal range, go to Exercise #2 - grasp glass : bend elbow : consume contents : straighten elbow : refill. Repeat as necessary.

Hope these exercises help the cause!

The bold faced portion of Exercise 1 seems to be missing one important part. There is a mantra that should be repeated by the mushers if that situation were to occur: The mantra has its roots steeped heavily in U. S. Naval tradition, and goes like this: DIVE !!!! DIVE !!!! DIVE !!!! .

In fact, upon further reflection, and Mee-n-Mac (Mac portion thereof) can perhaps verify this, it may well be that the video has the exercises in the wrong order, and Exercise 2 should actually be Exercise 1 followed by the former Exercise 1 which would now become Exercise 2, which can then be followed by a joyous refrain of the new Exercise 1, which to the joy of all involved becomes the happily repeated chorus, repeating thish chorus thingee often but not driving 'cause you shouldn't exercise after that much driving, and I musht have anudda chorus tanite jusht to get in shape...

[IslandSib]

I was busy all last night doing the exercise routine. Unlike many other programs I think I can stick to this one

I was wondering though if we should preface this with a prayer to "The Great Spirit" for cold and snow at least for a short period of time.
Remember though do this in private or others may reap violence on you.
Many a day riding the elavator watching the little screen say weather warm, warmer and then warmer I have commented I need a little cold and some ice....I have learned ...think cold and ice....

Have faith the ice will come

[Quilt Lady]

Sorry, Upthesaukee, but that is the correct order for the training exercises. The object is to stay vertical. If you do Exercise #2 before Exercise #1, you will be forced to do Exercise #3 . . .which is trying to do push-ups while face down on the ice. Great workout for the shoulders but not good for forward motion. Plus you would then force your team mates into Exercise #4 . . the dead weight drag as they pull you off of the ice. I don't want to think about what happens next.

[RLW]

Question, does the following info have to be performed before one can have the bed race? http://www.aanh.org/2005altoninfo.html
Like I said it's just a question as of this keying in they still don't have anyone to do it.

[mcdude]

Hi RLW:
Thanks for posting that link. It has some awesome photos posted (all of them don't seem to be coming through). This one shows Lakewood Drive in the foreground....the street where those new houses are located that overlook the bay from the ridge.



I sure hope they find an airport manager. I thought it was great the year when the big white dog was manager. Did a pretty good job too!!

[upthesaukee]

I am getting emails from AANH, and the ice has not been thick enough for the gentleman who plows the runway to do so and feel safe about it. He is planning to maintain the runway again this year, but only with acceptable ice conditions (thickness and condition). I believe he is the same person who contacts the FAA about being "airport manager", whereas the AANH simply hosts the fly - in. All parties are hopeful that the fly-in will occur this year. We just have to get by a few hurdles.

[RLW]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

We just have to get by a few hurdles.

Ya, like we need ice and snow before the plowing and beds.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

My mother-in-law had knee replacement surgery on Monday. While we were waiting, I was telling her about Alton Bay’s Winter Festival and the bed race. Last night we went for a visit. She is on pain medicine and was a bit lOoPy. She looked at me serious as could be and asked if I knew anything about beds being put on the lake and people racing them. Of course I confirmed the story, but now I regret not toying with her a bit first. Maybe next visit.
I got the poster for the crib/bed yesterday and it looks great! Now to figure out just the right way to attach it to the Winni Forum Flyer!
(Don’t worry DRH, I won’t make it anything too heavy. I have an a retired poster frame that might be just the ticket.)